Name: LiA Hotel
Address: 950 El Camino Real, San Carlos, California, United States of America, San Carlos, California, US
Price range: $79–$1,127 per night
Rating: 7.92

What guests think

At LiA Hotel, reviewers describe a basic, renovated motel-style stay that balances budget-friendly value with a convenient San Carlos location near downtown and Caltrain, delivering generally clean, comfortable rooms but with several tradeoffs to consider.

Common positives include friendly, accommodating staff, easy check-ins, and comfortable beds, with some rooms offering extra workspace or a kitchenette. Recurring negatives are train and road noise, thin walls, occasional A/C, TV, or Wi‑Fi issues, and inconsistent cleanliness, with housekeeping typically only on request or every few days. Facilities are minimal: free parking is useful but can be tight, and breakfast is not provided despite older references. Expect a simple, good-value base if you prioritize price and location over amenities.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Facilities are simple. Free on-site parking is included and generally easy, though spaces can be tight or full at times; breakfast is not provided despite older references.

Related guest reviews

10

Kimberly

Jun 13, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Great stay. Super Clean, updated room, comfortable bed, microwave, quiet refrigerator, good cable tv. Free parking, close to train, and cute downtown San Carlos for walking and good meals. Will definitely stay again. Thanks Lia!

10

Julie

Dec 8, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean room plenty of parking nice and friendly staff

10

Guanyang

Sep 14, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice boutique hotel with free parking

6

Julie

Aug 5, 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

I found this hotel on a travel website. The location was great with easy walking to food, entertainment and shopping. The beds and bathroom were clean, but the floors are filthy. The floors appear to be linoleum and had not been mopped with a clean mop. My room had a kitchenette, but the table had something dried on it. I had to buy disinfectant wipes to wipe the table and floors off. It was a disappointment for sure. The parking lot was also full on a Friday night, and we had to create our own parking spot one evening. I was not happy with the security as the deadbolt on the door was all that kept the door secured and could easily be breached. The lack of cleanliness and security would prevent me from staying again.

10

Karen

Jun 24, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Lia Hotel delivers every time! Clean, good shower pressure, microwave, fridge, and parking included.

10

Erica

Dec 8, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean room, easy parking.

8

Kristin

Jun 29, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The place was clean. We were disappointed that they didn’t offer breakfast and when we booked it said it included breakfast.

10

Luis

Sep 18, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Lack of amenities

8

Richard

Mar 31, 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

The LiA hotel is conveniently located near the San Carlos city center/walk street…parking in the courtyard is easy and usually available. Those are the good things. The bad things are that the walls are very thin and you can hear your neighbors and the people above you if you’re on ground level. We were there for a week and there was loud music most nights. Probably won’t be back.

8

Beth

Jan 22, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Reservation was based at least somewhat on website stating “continental breakfast” included. This was no longer true. Floor of room was very cold.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Cleanliness

Many guests report clean rooms and tidy bathrooms, but feedback is mixed overall. Several mention dirty floors or linens, pests, and housekeeping available only on request or every few days.

Related guest reviews

6

Julie

Aug 5, 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

I found this hotel on a travel website. The location was great with easy walking to food, entertainment and shopping. The beds and bathroom were clean, but the floors are filthy. The floors appear to be linoleum and had not been mopped with a clean mop. My room had a kitchenette, but the table had something dried on it. I had to buy disinfectant wipes to wipe the table and floors off. It was a disappointment for sure. The parking lot was also full on a Friday night, and we had to create our own parking spot one evening. I was not happy with the security as the deadbolt on the door was all that kept the door secured and could easily be breached. The lack of cleanliness and security would prevent me from staying again.

4

Erin

May 14, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

This place did not seem clean to me &I felt very uncomfortable because of that. Looks like they tried to do upgrades but there was a lot of damage to doors, floors etc. I would not recommend this place. One good thing was location near downtown & train.

10

ERIKA

Apr 26, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean

6

Jayla

Mar 19, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice staff helpful , but the rooms were filthy. The floors need some serious cleaning and conditioning, I had to keep my shoes on the whole time. Light switches tables all dusty and dirty. Shower was clogged. Although the staff was nice this was enough for mento never come here again

4

stuart

Oct 29, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The room was old and felt dirty. There were hairs in the bathroom and on some of the towels. It was loud with highway noise. The bed and pillows were uncomfortable.

8

Lori

Nov 14, 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

The room was clean, and the staff was very courteous and helpful. I wish I had known that housekeeping was only offered if requested. Also, it would’ve been nice to have a hook on the bathroom door or somewhere in the room to hang up my robe. But for the price, it was very reasonable and sufficient.

10

Anibal

Nov 24, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Everything was clean and work perfectly thank very much for the service.

4

Robyn

Jul 14, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Man at checkin was surly. This place is a motel, not a hotel. Got the last possible parking space. Linoleum flooring not pleasant to get out of bed onto. Way too close to train tracks - NOISY! Furniture was shabby and chipped. They did not have fitted sheets on the mattress. Flat sheet was just tucked under about 2” along with top sheet and blanket. So bottom became untucked while getting into bed. It was a rumpled mess in the morning. Seriously, get some linens that fit. No responsibility of the hotel but neighbors above were stomping around at 6am.

2

Fernando

Jan 30, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Do not stay at this property they have on their rating and 8.2 it really should be a 2.2 the floor was dirty the bathroom floor was dirty I believe they have bed bugs I felt stuff biting us do not stay here

10

Karen

Apr 29, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

I have stayed here 3 different times and will he back. Very clean, bed is comfortable, shower has hot water with pressure. Iron is clean, microwave, refrigerator, good lighting and includes parking. Staff is nice and check-in is easy and quick. I highly recommend!

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Rooms

Rooms are basic or recently refreshed motel-style, with comfortable beds and some spacious layouts; a few include a kitchenette or office-style workspace. Drawbacks include thin walls and train/road noise, spotty Wi‑Fi, and occasional A/C or TV problems.

Related guest reviews

6

Grace

Jun 2, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

I liked how quick staff was in response to my noise complaint but overall quality of room and walls was below average because you can hear everything, the AC barely worked and wifi barely worked either. The curtains only closed halfway so a beam of light shone through so you couldn’t sleep well.

10

David Shaw

Sep 5, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

By far the most comfortable and luxurious bed of any property in its price range I have ever stayed at. The king sized mattress, half dozen pillows, and comforter were all generous and soft.

8

eric

May 11, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The hotel was fine. Clean well appointed. The train across the street and El Camino was a little loud. Gracious family hosting

8

Anthony

Apr 25, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great location and solid hotel. Bit dated and simple, but affordable. One gripe - internet disconnected every 10 min and made me log in. Not great for working.

8

Mason

Oct 7, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Very basic motel. Rooms were medium sized and comfortable with everything working properly. Towels were small and there was small soaps and no shampoo. We stayed three nights but no maid ever came to clean the room which didn’t bother me enough to complain. Motel fronts the main road and you can hear the road noise and occasionally the commuter train but overall was able to sleep.

10

Ricky

Sep 29, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great location and clean and spacious room. TV in one room did not work-was not sure if it was simply meant to be a monitor for a computer or mobile device. Bathroom small-but worked for one person

8

Uyen

May 28, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The room was nice however the AC didn’t work.

6

Rene

May 16, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

It was clean and the water pressure and temp was good. The bare floors on 2nd floor made everything very noisy on the bottom floor. Also the traffic and train noise were constant and loud. The air conditioner went on and off all night and was so loud it sounded like a ventilator.

8

Richard

Mar 31, 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

The LiA hotel is conveniently located near the San Carlos city center/walk street…parking in the courtyard is easy and usually available. Those are the good things. The bad things are that the walls are very thin and you can hear your neighbors and the people above you if you’re on ground level. We were there for a week and there was loud music most nights. Probably won’t be back.

10

Robert

Apr 26, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

I was very impressed by their room options, particularly with what was basically like a having second room which was essentially a mini boardroom with big desk, 4 office chairs and a big wall mounted monitor in addition to the big bed and T.V. in the main room area which also had a lot of horizontal surfaces area to set stuff down on. I will definitely stay here again. Excellent, polite hosts.

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Service

Staff are frequently described as friendly, accommodating, and efficient, with early check-ins and occasional upgrades. However, there are reports of surly interactions, reservation or deposit disputes, slow responses, and difficulty reaching the front desk by phone.

Related guest reviews

8

Jeff

May 31, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice location - clean and fairly priced. Only complaint (and it’s small) as it good a long time to check in. Wouldn’t have been an issue but I had just driven 500 miles.

2

Victoria

Aug 31, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

At 10:00pm as we landed in SF after a long day of travel, o got a call from the property stating" Your reservation is canceled, because there aren't any rooms available." I am sorry, isn't it the point of a pre paid reservation? I tell you I will be there on a certain day and you have a room available? Especially when i pay for the room up front. I my many years of travel, domestically and internationally i never had this happen. TRAVELLERS BEWARE!

10

Edgar

Oct 13, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Staff was really friendly and easy to check in and out

10

Donna

Jun 5, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Lia is a convenient hotel in the heàrt of San Carlos. Great Staff and very responsive. Maya is wonderful at the front desk. A great place to stay when passing through San Carlos.

2

Nina

Oct 13, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

I made reservations and paid whole amount . When I arrived the manager of hotel said that they don’t have any available rooms. This was terrible time for me. Because I have never had the same experience. I hope the hotel. come will return my money back.

4

Julie

Apr 11, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

It was okay they charged my moms card twice with 50 depoist

10

Lisa

Jul 11, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

I stay at the Lia frequently when I work late or have an early start instead of driving home to the city. The couple who manage the hotel, Bhavesh and Riddhi are wonderful. Both are friendly and professional. Upon arrival my paperwork is already for my signature and the room key is ready as well. I feel very welcomed each time I stay. The rooms are always clean and tidy. The staff does an amazing job to ensure the rooms are perfect. I feel safe and comfortable. My home away from home! Highly recommend this hotel!

4

Lori

Jun 27, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Would not stay there again. very confusing on trying to find the property because there are (2) 950 El Camino Real addresses. My GPS took me to the first 950 El Camino Real address and it was an abandoned building. I was tired and rather shocked. I called the phone number for the hotel and it went to a recorded message that said I had received a non-working number! We had drove 3 hours and was pissed! We kept driving down El Camino Real, decided to find another place to stay as I contacted my bank regarding the charge for LiA hotel, as I thought the LiA hotel didn't exist. Right about then here's we see a sign for LiA Hotel! We pull in and I explain the other '950' address, and I can hardly understand him! Something about a different zip code. Then I proceed to tell him about the discounted phone and he shows me his phone showing that I had called! I just wanted my room so we could relax and get some sleep! What a ridiculous ordeal!

4

Edward

Dec 28, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Desk clerk was surly the whole time. The refrigerator did not work properly. There were not enough blankets for the bed, the shower left water all over the bathroom floor even though the curtain was in place.

6

Lanaya

Mar 12, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Stayed for my son’s football tournament, left at 6am and accidentally left my favorite water bottle. Called 10 times throughout the day and they never answered once!!! I drove back to the hotel when the tournament ended so I could go ask if the housekeeping had found anything in my room and they said nothing was found and they couldn’t (wouldn’t) be able to ask them till the housekeeping came in the next day???

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Location

Convenient San Carlos location within walking distance of downtown, restaurants, and Caltrain. The proximity to the tracks and a busy road brings noticeable noise for light sleepers.

Related guest reviews

10

Kimberly

Jun 13, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Great stay. Super Clean, updated room, comfortable bed, microwave, quiet refrigerator, good cable tv. Free parking, close to train, and cute downtown San Carlos for walking and good meals. Will definitely stay again. Thanks Lia!

8

Kelly

Sep 16, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Nice place close to restaurants mostly quiet for being on a busy street

8

Tony

Aug 8, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great location. Clean. This isn’t a fancy hotel (gym, cafe, etc), but it checks all the boxes for a nice clean safe place at a reasonable price.

10

Julius

Jun 29, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Very nice room; clean and really comfortable. Especially for the price. Walking distance to restaurants and grocery store. Family management there was very nice. Thank you.

8

Cynthia

Nov 9, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

I really liked how this property was within walking distance of many shops and restaurants as well as the train station. The downside to being close to the train station was the noise of the trains. I would stay here again as it was a convenient location and the price was right. If you value quiet, this might not be the place for you.

8

Ellen

Jul 8, 2024

·

Stayed 6 nights

Convenient to downtown and our aunt’s care facility. A bit noisy at times, but overall a fairly quiet place. Exterior doors were a concern at first, but it was very secure.

6

Edward

Oct 16, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The hotel is just a block away from the start of Downtown San Carlos

8

lezah

Aug 23, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Easy access to stores and airport

10

Per

Jun 23, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

The location is very good, walking distance to many restaurants. Nice, accommodating staff.

8

Rogelio

Jan 18, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Walking distance to Downtown San Carlos.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Dining

No on-site dining or breakfast service, and several guests were disappointed when listings suggested breakfast. Nearby restaurants are within walking distance.

Related guest reviews

4

ximena

Oct 6, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Freezer dirty with a red sauce, bed cover decoration with cigarette burns, no breakfast even though website says they offer breakfast, no daily cleaning service, found a can of old clam chowder in kitchenette, bad WiFi, noisy with the main avenue and train tracks .

8

Jim

May 7, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great staff, clean, nice decor, lots of good dining a short drive away

8

Kelly

Sep 16, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Nice place close to restaurants mostly quiet for being on a busy street

8

Tony

Aug 8, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great location. Clean. This isn’t a fancy hotel (gym, cafe, etc), but it checks all the boxes for a nice clean safe place at a reasonable price.

8

Rob

Dec 3, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

close to dining options on laurel street and had your basic amenities. bed was comfortable.

8

Kristin

Jun 29, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The place was clean. We were disappointed that they didn’t offer breakfast and when we booked it said it included breakfast.

8

peter

Jul 19, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Very artistic eco-chic retro-hotel off the US 101 corridor. A 1950-1960’s style rehabilitated open courtyard style hotel with modern appointments like mini-fridge, microwave and fast wifi. The hotel was clean, comfortable (good A/C & king sized bed) and convenient. Staff was pleasant & knowledgeable with good taverns & restaurants with walking distance.

10

Duncan

Mar 28, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

I liked everything about the LiA hotel. The proprietors were pleasant and personable. The price was reasonable, especially for the area. The room had a coffee maker, a microwave oven, and a refrigerator. Lots of hot water in the shower. There were many restaurants within a short walk.

10

CONNIE

Sep 28, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Old, but nicely restored. Chose mainly because of location.

8

Beth

Jan 22, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Reservation was based at least somewhat on website stating “continental breakfast” included. This was no longer true. Floor of room was very cold.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Month	Average price
January	$99
February	$114
March	$121
April	$104
May	$117
June	$137
July	$130
August	$99
September	$133
October	$121
November	$97
December	$81

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14 $220	15 $1,127	16 $411	17 $131	18 $99	19 $98
20 $89	21 $119	22 $124	23 $124	24 $125	25 $96	26 $127
27 $88	28 $110	29 $115	30 $129

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $115	2 $105	3 $85
4 $79	5 $124	6 $133	7 $146	8 $118	9 $113	10 $85
11 $83	12 $127	13 $156	14 $168	15 $181	16 $123	17 $93
18 $83	19 $133	20 $140	21 $149	22 $122	23 $114	24 $94
25 $84	26 $123	27 $133	28 $139	29 $123	30 $215	31 $215

Select dates to see prices and availability

Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

Deluxe Room, 2 Double Beds, Kitchenette

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed (Inspiration)

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

Guest reviews

Good

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property Policies

Check-in instructions

Security deposit

Good to know

FAQs about LiA Hotel

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Considering this hotel for your San Carlos trip?

Prices for upcoming dates